Safety and Immunogenicity in Neonatal Mice of a HyperattenuatedListeriaVaccine Directed against Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract
CD8+T cells are a major component of the adaptive response of a host to infections by viruses and other intracellular pathogenic agents. However, because of the intrinsic immaturity of the immune system of neonatal animals, neonates are highly sensitive to a variety of pathogens and may be unable to respond in a protective manner. Here we explore whether a hyperattenuated strain ofListeria monocytogenesthat can be used as a live vaccine vector in adults is safe and able to induce an effective response in neonates. We answer both questions affirmatively.